Cracking Open the Ultra 7-Port Buddy Hub

Ultra 7-Port Buddy Hub - The Blister Pack

The Ultra 7-Port Buddy Hub makes quick work of adding additional USB port capacity and also enables the sharing of USB-connected peripherals between two PCs. Take a peek inside the device.

Editor's Note: Several weeks after this gallery published, the manufacturer forwarded a newer Buddy Hub model that features USB 2.0 support. Subsequently, we've added several slides to the end of this gallery.

Ultra 7-Port Buddy Hub - The Blister Pack

Ultra's 7-port hub ships with two USB cables and a power adapter all packed inside a typical blister pack. A simple user guide is also included.

Ultra 7-Port Buddy Hub

Here you can see the actual Ultra Buddy Hub, as well as the accessories with which it ships.

Streamlined Design

The Ultra hub features a streamlined design.

USB peripherals plug into the device's front face, while the PCs connect to the device's backside. A row of A/B switches, meanwhile, determine which PC controls each of the connected devices.

PC Connectivity

Each of the two PCs that share USB-connected devices via the Ultra hub connect via these PC ports.

Cover Removal

Removing the hub's cover requires that four Phillips-head screws be extracted.

Inside The Case

Once the four screws are removed from the bottom case, the hub's two halves pull apart easily. Upon removing the lid, the device's circuit board is revealed.

Inside The Lid

Here's a view inside the Buddy Hub's lid. The triangular-shaped cutouts accommodate each of the USB port's seven A/B switches.

The Top Cover

Here's the Ultra Buddy Hub's top cover (removed from its bottom half). The A/B switches are absent in this view, as they're attached to the switches attached to the circuit board (which itself is attached to the bottom half of the hub).

The Circuit Board

Visible at the top of the circuit board are the hub's seven (silver) USB ports. Beneath each USB port is its corresponding A/B switch (and LED indicators). At the bottom are the two (silver) USB ports for connecting two PCs (and which enable sharing the USB-connected devices between two PCs).

The A/B Switches

Here's a close-up view of the A/B switches (and the corresponding LED indicators).

A/B Switch (Cap Removed)

Here you can see an A/B switch without its cap. The blue plastic switch stub activates the A/B switch.

The Circuit Board (Back View)

Here's a view of the circuit board's backside. Visible are four Alcor Micro AU9254 single chip hub controllers.

Alcor Micro Controller Close Up

Here's a close-up of two of the Alcor Micro AU9254A21 chips. The single integrated USB controllers include a proprietary processor, run at 12MHz and use a 28-pin shrink small-outline microchip package.

The A/B Switches

Here's a close-up view of the A/B switches and their LED indicators, as well as several capacitors and USB "A" plug receptables (positioned at the top).

The A/B Switches

Here you can see the difference between an activated and de-activated A/B switch. The A/B switch farthest to the left is depressed, whereas the other switches are fully extended.

B-Type Connector

Here's a close-up of one of the Ultra Buddy Hub's two "B" type USB connectors. The "B" type ports are used to connect two PCs to the USB hub.

Ultra&apos;s Buddy Hub Cracked Open

Here are the components that constitute the Buddy Hub. At the bottom are the four screws that secure the hub's two halves together, as well as the button caps for powering the A/B switches.

Buddy Hub - USB 2.0 Model

Several weeks after the publication of the original Buddy Hub gallery, Ultra forwarded this USB 2.0 model.

Buddy Hub - USB 2.0 Model

The packaging, circuitry, connections and product itself are essentially identical between the two (USB 1.1 and USB 2.0) models. The only difference is the newer USB 2.0 models support connecting peripherals at USB 2.0's higher speed specifications. In fact, you can only tell the units apart if you were to trace their serial numbers.

Buddy Hub - USB 2.0 Model

Ultra's USB 2.0-Buddy Hub is essentially identical in appearance to its USB 1.1 brother. Both devices feature seven USB ports for connecting peripherals to be shared between two systems.

Buddy Hub - USB 2.0 Model

Just as with the USB 1.1 model, this USB 2.0 Buddy Hub enables sharing seven peripherals between two systems. The two PCs (or servers) connect to the hub using these ports (found on the USB hub's rear panel).

Cover Removal

Removing the hub's cover requires that four Phillips-head screws be extracted.

About Erik Eckel

Erik Eckel owns and operates two technology companies. As a managing partner with Louisville Geek, he works daily as an IT consultant to assist small businesses in overcoming technology challenges and maximizing IT investments. He is also president o...

Full Bio

Erik Eckel owns and operates two technology companies. As a managing partner with Louisville Geek, he works daily as an IT consultant to assist small businesses in overcoming technology challenges and maximizing IT investments. He is also president of Eckel Media Corp., a communications company specializing in public relations and technical authoring projects.

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